LeetCode Problem#2239:Finding the Number Closest to Zero in an Array: A Detailed Explanation and answer

Problem Overview:

Given an integer array nums of size n, the challenge is to find the number that is closest to zero. If there are multiple numbers equally close to zero, the requirement is to return the largest number among them.

Link to the Problem:

You can find the problem on LeetCode here .

Example Scenarios:

1. Example 1:

• Input: nums = [-4, -2, 1, 4, 8]
• Output: 1
• Explanation: 1 is the closest to zero.

2. Example 2:

• Input: nums = [2, -1, 1]
• Output: 1
• Explanation: -1 and 1 are equally close to zero, but 1 is larger.

Why This Concept Is Important:

This problem introduces a key concept in array manipulation — using comparisons to identify the “closest” or “best” match according to certain criteria.

It’s a common type of problem that appears in coding interviews and competitive programming.

Understanding how to handle such comparisons efficiently and correctly is essential for tackling a wide range of problems, including optimization tasks, search algorithms, and more.

The Core Idea Behind the Solution